2018/19 INDIE GRANTS SHORT FILM PROJECTS ANNOUNCED

Columbia, SC -- The South Carolina Film Commission has announced the short films selected for its 2018/2019 Indie Grants program.

The Indie Grants is the only one of its kind in the nation, using short films for professional development for South Carolina filmmakers and other creative industries, job training for Trident Technical College film students, and as international exposure for the state’s film industry.

The projects are:

SWEATBOX (drama)In a lethal heatwave, a man with an inured wife attempts to talk his way into the home of two children struggling to keep their parents alive.Produced by Matthew SefickWritten and Directed by Nate O’Mahoney

GRACE LAND (comedy)A southern mom’s perfect suburban life is turned upside down by her seven-year-old daughter’s belief that she is the reincarnation of Elvis Presley.Written and Directed by Bonnie-Kathleen RyanCo-written by Trevor O. MunsonStarring Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect, The Help), Monique Coleman (High School Musical)

Based in Charleston, SWEATBOX Producer Matthew Sefick is one of the Southeast’s leading Casting Directors. GRACE LAND Writer/Director Bonnie-Kathleen Ryan and actors Anna Camp and Monique Coleman became friends as children doing local theater in Columbia, including Trustus Theater Apprentice Company and at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts.

“We believed we could be artists because of the community, support, and resources we received in South Carolina,” said Ryan. “This is our opportunity to share those same type of experiences with a younger generation of South Carolina artists and crew.”

"The Indie Grants have garnered a major reputation among producers, writers, actors, and all types of crew," said Tom Clark with the South Carolina Film Commission. "This is a way for us to show off the state's talent, location, and production value to the world."

Each Indie Grants project will employ Trident Technical College film students in its production, giving the students hands-on training under the filmmakers and other production professionals, and acting as a bridge to full-time professional employment.